The"o*rist (?), n. [Cf. F. th'eoriste.]

One who forms theories; one given to theory and speculation; a speculatist.

Cowper.

The greatest theoretists have given the preference to such a government as that which obtains in this kingdom. Addison.

<-- 2. A scientist who forms theories about natural phenomena, based on the data gathered by others, rather than himself performing experiments to test the theories. Contrasted with experimentalist. -->

 

© Webster 1913.